Energy crisis: MPs given tour of Pilkington after increasing concerns over rising bills

Shadow Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds MP and Shadow Minister for Energy and Manufacturing Bill Esterson MP joined St Helens South and Whiston MP Marie Rimmer for a tour of Pilkington's Greengate Works site on Thursday, January 13.

The global energy crisis, brought about by global shortages in gas and coal, has particuarly impacted industrial companies like Pilkington as they use large amounts of energy to manufacture their products.

If bills continue to rise, these companies are looking at a financial hit of "tens of millions" per year.

MPs were at Pilkington to discuss soaring energy costs to heavy manufacturers

While MPs were told there is "no immediate risk of people losing jobs" at Pilkington, soaring energy costs without a government subsidy plan is said to pose a huge "threat" to the business and the wider manufacturing industry.

With the British glass industry losing out on business to European competitors who are receiving support from their own respective governments, Marie Rimmer said that the government need to act now "before it is too late".

To support the manufacturing industry during the crisis, Labour are calling on the government to provide a comprehensive contingency plan to ensure the sector does not collapse.

Inside the glass factory at Greengate

Speaking to the Star at Pilkington, Shadow Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds MP, said:

"We are very serious about business and we want to keep our industrial base in the UK, and want a long term political commitment to help see it grow.

"Labour's plans are a £600 million contingency fund to support the manufacturing industry in the short term - paid for through high VAT receipts and additional taxation on North Sea oil and gas."

MPs were given a tour of Pilkington's Greengate Works site on Thursday, January 13

With the energy crisis, covid and Brexit all causing increasing concern and uncertainty for manufacturers, a long term political commitment was said to be critical to not only retain our industrial bases, but help them thrive in the long term switch to green energy.

Noting the industrial heritage of places like St Helens, which has already lost much of its manufacturing base, Marie Rimmer MP added: "The government need to take this issue a lot more seriously.

"We need a proper industrial strategy because we can only have a strong economy with a strong manufacturing base."

"There is no time to wait in making these decisions and committing to these industries."

Pilkington's Greengate Works site